My son and his buddies were surfing when I got pulled over by DNR. The officers were very nice and informed me that it was now illegal to surf. They said even though I have an inboard the concern is if the boat were happen to suddenly stop the rider could hit the platform/boat.

I asked if the law was written down anywhere, he told me it was "hazardous operation" of the boat. I told them I learned from a DNR officer last year that "hazardous operation" was up to the discretion of the Officer. He then said it wasn't illegal but the law is coming. They told me a rider can not be on the first wave behind the boat. The must be on the second wave and be on a rope.

They said they were not writing tickets that day, just letting surfers know.
Any of you heard of any similar experiences?

If the law is going to state riders must be behind the first wave, technically a skiier is in front of that wave many times, just further back.

I emailed my dealer who forwarded my experience to a watersports lobby dealing with the issue in other states.
Thoughts???

Surfing is very popular on the chain o lakes. The local county sheriffs are routinely passing through usually a few times a day and don't say anything usually give a wave if anything. The DNR and coasties are around but I rarely see them mostly on busy holidays. I think the DNR guys are more interested in the fishing/hunting crowd in my area anyway.

I've heard of stories (not here in Illinois) where law enforcement were harassing surfing folks on grounds of being a form of "teak surfing".

I would be in touch with your Reps and find out the bill.
It might not even be a bill yet just scuttle butt or talk with in IL DNR. You could also call DNR and ask if they have any plans to encourage legislation.

Get on it if you do find some signs. I can tell you from our fight in KS getting engine noise legislation changed after they passed an initial bill very quick and quiet. Its much easier to voice and block legislation than change or repeal.
Most legislators have no clue on bills like this and it becomes more about favor trading for their pet bills than truly Representing their constituents.

To the DNR, tell him to stick to enforcing laws that are ON THE BOOKS not his agenda. Was the next question "BTW, have you been drinking?"

C'mon Mike.....He won't know anything about this. You need to talk to a liberal.

I'll ask Scott Walker - he's knows more about the laws in Illinois than Illinois legislators...

Johnny DNR was writing an open liquor violation in a state park when cruiser pulled up to the park to put trash in the dumpster - meanwhile an under age youth sped off full throttle on a jet ski between the the boats waiting to trailer up - or pickup passengers... in a no wake zone.

__________________...A bad day water skiing still beats a good day at work...1995 Pro Star 205....